Consider The Temporary and the Eternal

Consider An Eternal Perspective!

When we think about what really matters in life, we often consider what we are bothered and upset about. We wonder “why”? There are a lot of “why’s” that I thought of very recently! Let’s take a moment to consider the temporary and the eternal.

I see some people have less difficulty than others do. Wondering when I have trials already, why does God go deeper and deeper, to catch my attention?https://heartshare.blog/2019/11/30/in-bright-or-dim-lights-lets-see-him/ Then, I seem surprised. 1 Peter 4:12-13 says, “do not be surprised,” though.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

1 Peter 4:12-13

Consider What We Face Temporarily

As we consider the temporary and the eternal, look over this list of some common hurts and trials that we face regularly:

• Grief
• Job stress
• Physical health
• Family disputes
• Missing family
• Loss

Consider Temporary Testing and Refining

Some days, it is really hard to have an eternal perspective! Especially when we are only looking at what hurts us now! We can’t imagine or think about joy with Him for eternity!

I was reading today about refining silver and testing gold, because of a verse I read in Zechariah 13:9. As I researched the terms refining and testing, I noticed that the term “refining” is a also a term used to describe improving. Testing the gold, is meant to see if the gold is real or fake. Some of the tests I read about regarding gold testing involved using a magnet or floating because real gold is not magnetic and does not float! http://bullionexchanges.com Are the trials and difficulties in our lives, improving us or are they making us more genuine? Do other people and God know that we are real? The process of improving our life is hard! Lots of trials really hurt!

Consider Pressing On for His Purpose!

Be thankful and full of joy when you know that God has us here for a purpose; because we know that we are fulfilling that purpose! We were told by Paul to Press on and finish the race that is set before us!

² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Consider How Are We Faithful?

I have several people in my family who have dedicated their lives to share the gospel with people on the other side of the world! One of these couples is my sister and her husband, who are being faithful in fulfilling what God called them to do. What has God called you to do or what has He called you to be faithful in?

• In your marriage and family
• Loving Him
• Be a witness
• Disciple
• Go into all the world to preach the gospel- Jerusalem, Judea, uttermost part of the world.

Consider Your Temporary Role!

The New Testament uses several metaphors for us as believers to help us consider the temporary and the eternal. We are:

• Runners – We run a race! (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Hebrews 12:1-2)

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27(NIV)

• Fighters- Fight the good fight! ( 2 Timothy 4:7-9) and spiritual warfare( Ephesians 6)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-9 (NIV)

• Conquerors- We are more than Conquerors! (Romans 8:37)

…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

romans 8:37 (NIV)

Consider His Eternal Actions!

Although I don’t know you personally, and you may be ready for trials and suffering to be over, take heart when Revelation 21:4 says:

• He will wipe away all tears
• Death will be complete
• No more sorrow
• No more pain
• Past is over!

Consider His Eternal Word!

²³ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

Consider What Eternal Outcome We Will See!

In summary, do you remember the “revelation of His glory” in 1 Peter 4:13? Peter is saying that “we rejoice as we participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that we can be overjoyed when His glory is revealed!”. According to Revelation 21 & 22, this is because He is making everything new! As a result, it will be beautiful and nothing that defiles or is an abomination will exist. He will bring glory and honor and when He comes, and He will bring reward with Him only to those whose names are written in the Lambs Book of Life! …”Even so, come Lord Jesus!”